A blog by your local public health experts

Social distancing is good right now. Social isolation is not.

Gov. Inslee’s orders to ban gatherings of more than 250 people and close schools to slow the spread of COVID-19 might leave you feeling isolated. Many large events like sports and concerts are already canceled or postponed. Kids are home. Many employees are working remotely and fewer people are out in public places.

Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation.

There are safe ways to remain socially connected. Remember, social connections are as important for your health as things like eating well, exercising and not smoking.

People who aren’t in a vulnerable group—those include people over 60 and those with compromised immune systems—can practice social distancing rather than isolation. Distancing means increasing the physical distance between people to reduce the spread of disease: